The popular Ultimate Match Fishing, hosted by Joe Thomas and Fish Fishburne, returned to the Outdoor Channel this week. In a new twist, the imaginary line dividing the boat that competitors could not cast across has been eliminated.
"It got to the point where guys got so good at blocking out the angler in the back of the boat that we had to revisit the rule,” UMF referee Mark Randolph explained on the show’s Facebook page. “Who wants to see a guy in the back of the boat sitting on the motor cowling as the guy in front works a bedding fish? Now, the angler in the back can fire away as long as he doesn't cast over the front angler's line. It's wide open and trust me ... it gets crazy."
Competition was taped at Lake Okeechobee in December. First-round matchups are Jeff Kriet vs. Anthony Gagliardi, Stephen Browning vs. Randall Tharp, Jacob Wheeler vs. Harold Allen, Stetson Blaylock vs. Jason Quinn, Brent Ehrler vs. Ish Monroe and Roland Martin vs. Scott Martin.
A new episode premieres each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. EST. They’re replayed at 10 a.m. on Thursdays and 6:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
For more, visit www.UltimateMatchFishing.com.
